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Comair bids for Air Botswana

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Comair bids for Air BotswanaComair bids for Air BotswanaN$1 billion in the kitty for acquisitions Comair is also looking for other acquisitions but is keeping a tight lid on its targets. South Africa's Comair will submit a proposal to Botswana take over the nation's carrier, Comair's chief executive said last week.

Comair, which operates British Airways in southern Africa alongside its no-frills brand Kulula.com, has vied for Air Botswana before, but in 2008 pulled out of a bidding round that failed to attract successful suitors.

Botswana last Monday again put its national carrier up for tender as part of a strategy to privatise loss-making state companies.

“We'll make a submission and see if they are interested in our approach,” Comair chief executive Erik Venter told Reuters, adding that proposals had to be made before the end of February.

Botswana's transport department has said it is open to proposals on various forms of privatisation including joint ventures, ownership, franchising and concessions.

Comair wants equity in and control of the airline that connects four Botswana towns to South Africa, Venter said.

“We'd even look at a management contract, but it would have to be on the basis that we run a large amount of it from Comair to get economies of scale,” he said.

Botswana Air, which provides cargo and air passenger services to Cape Town and Johannesburg from Gaborone, Francistown and the tourism hubs of Maun and Kasane, has been a drain on state finances.

Financial losses, blamed on a large workforce and an ageing fleet, have prompted a five-year turnaround plan that includes cutting costs and cancelling unprofitable routes.

“It needs economies of scale and a small airline on its own is never going to achieve that,” Venter said, adding that a takeover would mean moving some of the airline's services to Johannesburg.

Botswana Air, which recently discontinued flights to Harare and Lusaka from Gaborone, halved its operating losses to 83 million Pula (US$8 million) in the 2016 fiscal year.

Venter thinks the airline is unlikely to attract cash offers from suitors.

“I don't think there is any money involved in this one, to be honest. We wouldn't pay for it, that's for sure,” he said.

Comair is also looking for other acquisitions, Venter said, without providing further details.

Chief financial officer Kirsten King told Reuters in a separate interview that Comair has as much as N$1 billion available for acquisitions and other projects.

MONEYWEB

BoN encourages currency swaps

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BoN encourages currency swapsBoN encourages currency swaps The Bank of Namibia (BoN) governor has encouraged local institutions to swap their foreign assets for domestic assets in order to improve the country's foreign reserves.

Speaking at the central bank's first monetary policy announcement for the year on Wednesday, Iipumbu Shiimi explained that the reserves are created through imports and exports of goods.

“We need to improve the export capacity and increase investment in the country for the country to increase the international reserves,” he said.

The Government Institutions' Pension Fund (GIPF) moved over N$5 billion worth of assets from abroad to Namibia in 2016.

Shiimi noted that the country had recorded international reserves of about N$22.9 billion by 31 January 2017, adding that it was sufficient to meet the country's foreign obligations.

Shiimi assured the nation that the international reserves remained adequate to sustain the one-to-one link of the Namibian dollar to the South African rand.

The governor also said the central bank had no doubt that its Angolan counterpart would honour its commitment toward the repayment of about US$426 million (about N$5.8 billion) from the currency conversion deal with the Banco Nacional De Angola (BNA).

He said BNA had so far paid to BoN about US$120 million (approximately N$1.5 billion). The last payment was received on 16 December 2016.

“They have been honouring their commitments and we have no doubt of that. We will update you more regarding this in April this year,” Shiimi said.

The BoN and BNA entered into an agreement on 18 June 2015 to allow the exchange of Angolan kwanzas for Namibian dollars at Oshikango in northern Namibia in an effort to maintain the momentum of business transactions between the two countries.

The two central banks agreed that the BNA would repay the BoN the repurchase costs for kwanzas that have passed through Namibia since the agreement was implemented on 18 June 2015.

Under the agreement, the BNA has to pay BoN in quarterly instalments, with the last payment expected by 2019 when the agreement expires.

NAMPA

Fast-track land servicing: Shaningwa

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Fast-track land servicing: ShaningwaFast-track land servicing: ShaningwaHousing prices should be realistic Minister Sophia Shaningwa says her ministry will do its best to fast-track the delivery of residential plots and affordable housing. The minister of urban and rural development, Sophia Shaningwa, has urged her staff to explore all options at their disposal to fast-track land servicing in Namibia.

Addressing staff during the annual address at the ministry's headquarters on Thursday, Shaningwa said land was a critical aspect in the lives of people and should be handled with sensitivity, and in an urgent and transparent manner.

“I am calling on the ministry staff that are responsible for land delivery and management, especially the Township Board and Namibia Planning Advisory Board, to redouble their effort when responding to the needs of the community and local authorities in respect of land and related services,” she said.

She said the rate at which the ministry responds to such requests affected the rate at which local authorities would in turn respond to the needs of the people.

“I am calling on you to act in a timely, professional, fair and just manner at all times when dealing with members of the public or our clients in general.”

Shaningwa said land servicing and delivery was and would continue to be a priority, as it was clearly outlined in Namibia's national development plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP).

The minister also called on staff to make provision for affordable housing, especially for the ultra-low, low- and middle-income groups.

She said housing prices should be realistic and not inflated.

“The task before us as set out in the HPP and National Development Plan 5 is huge but I believe it is achievable, especially through teamwork and improved coordination between the ministry, local authorities, National Housing Enterprise (NHE), private sector and community-based groups.”

She said although the responsibility for housing delivery could not be left to the government alone, the ministry would continue to promote the delivery of affordable housing through public-private partnerships and support to the NHE and community-based housing development groups such as the Shack Dwellers' Federation of Namibia.

NAMPA

Africa on the up and up

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Africa on the up and upAfrica on the up and up Africa's narrative is rising and things are steadily improving according to Galileo Capital chief executive officer Theo Vorster, who spoke at a Business 7 breakfast hosted by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) last week.

According to Vorster, there are two factors that are going to propel Africa's economy forward - increased urbanisation and changing demographics.

“The narrative of Africa and what we see is not the case. There is no way you can tell me there is no future for Africa, forget about the old Africa,” he said.

Vorster said Africa's Gross Domestic Product had shown a steep improvement from US$587 billion to US$2 trillion over a 13-year period. Africa's GDP per capita also painted a positive picture, closing at US$1 866 in 2013 against US$720 observed in 2000.

According to Vorster, the Sub-Saharan African economy is expected to double in the next 15 years and he compared the sub-region to India in the 70s.

“That must be wonderful if you work in Africa. All the indicators are there that it will double. If we get a few things right, the size of the economy will double,” Vorster said.

Another positive for Vorster was the expectation that agricultural yields would not only match yields attained in the United States but surpass yields observable currently. This, according to him, is proof of improvements witnessed on the continent.

Turing his attention to Namibia, he said: “Things are much better here. There is structure, there is stability. We do not have that in South Africa. Our risk is that we get our own Donald Trump. Our risk is a populist coming through [and winning the elections in 2019].”

Commenting on the state of the economy, he ended on a positive note. “Our economy is picking up and Southern Africa is doing well.”

Releasing a forecast in October, the International Monetary Fund noted that growth in the SSA region had shown a decline for the first time in 20 years, a situation exacerbated by soft commodity prices.

“With lower commodity prices and a generally less supportive global economic environment, average growth in the region is foreseen to decelerate sharply to 1.5% this year, well below population growth, and in sharp contrast to the high growth rates of the past 15 years.” The jury is out on Africa's prospects.

OGONE TLHAGE

Tax reprieve welcomed

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Tax reprieve welcomedTax reprieve welcomedTax amnesty lapses in June The finance ministry recently announced a tax amnesty to encourage people to pay their arrears. Tax experts have welcomed the finance ministry's tax incentive programme and expect it to be a success.

The ministry recently introduced an incentive programme through which it encourages tax defaulters to pay. Currently, the ministry is owed N$19 billion in tax, interest on tax, interest on interest and penalties.

“Tax amnesty programmes have been used successfully all across the globe to widen the tax net. The tax incentive programme is also aimed at speeding up collections for some outstanding tax amounts,” says PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) tax director Johan Nel.

“We believe this can be successful, as there is a significant incentive now for taxpayers who are behind on tax payments to make these payments during the Incentive programme period (1 February to 30 June). We advise taxpayers to establish their tax status as soon as possible, and to get their affairs in order during this period.”

Another benefit of the programme is that it will make it easier for Inland Revenue to clean up the existing tax system, remove old and disputed penalty and interest amounts, and get as many as possible taxpayers in good-standing position prior to moving over to the new Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), Nel says.

“We believe that Inland Revenue's intention was to keep guidelines as simple as possible, which is a benefit but could also result in some interpretation differences. We are experiencing some inconsistencies in the way administrative procedure are applied between different officials and offices, specifically in respect of requirements that all outstanding tax returns should and need not be submitted, that amnesty forms can only be accepted for penalties and interest showing on the Inland Revenue system,” Nel explained.

“In general we believe that the incentive programme could hold benefits for taxpayers and for government and would like to encourage taxpayers to engage with Inland Revenue and use the opportunity to get their tax affairs in order.”

Standard Bank's head of private banking, Britt du Plessis, has also welcomed the reprieve.

“As taxpayers we must now give our wholehearted support to the government in its endeavours, especially in view of the fact that our economy is facing liquidity constraints. We need to pay taxes to sustain the much-needed infrastructure like hospitals, roads and schools in our country,” Du Plessis says.

“Government is in fact making it possible and affordable for everyone to come clear. Non-payment of taxes also has an impact on pension payouts upon retirement. If there are unpaid taxes, taxes are settled first before pensions are paid out. So it is always for one's own good to be in good standing; for your own sake and that of your family.”

OGONE TLHAGE

Farah bows out with European record

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Farah bows out with European recordFarah bows out with European recordTrack runner has marathon in his sights Mo Farah has unfinished business with the marathon but accepts it will take time to master the distance when he steps away from the track after next season's world championships. Four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah marked his final race indoors by winning the 5 000 metres at the Birmingham Grand Prix on Saturday in a new European record time of 13 minutes and 9.16 seconds.

The 33-year-old British distance great, who won gold in the 5 000m and 10 000m at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, plans to retire from all track events to concentrate on road-racing after the World Championships in London in August.

In Birmingham, he was run close by Bahrain's Albert Rop, who managed to stay with Farah after he burst clear from the rest of the field before being beaten in a sprint finish.

“I had amazing support from the crowd today and I can't quite believe it's my last indoor race,” Farah told the BBC after improving his own record for the event.

“I've had a great career indoors and particularly on this track,” added Farah, who finished seventh at last month's Edinburgh cross-country.

“I knew I needed to do some work after Edinburgh, I had to leave my family but hard work pays off.”

In other events, Britain's Andrew Pozzi ran a new personal best and world leading time of 7.43 seconds in the 60m hurdles, with the United States' Aries Merritt, the 110m hurdles word record-holder, third.

Jamaica's Elaine Thompson, the reigning Olympic 100m and 200m champion, won the women's 60m in 6.98 seconds the eighth-fastest time ever.

The women's 1 000 metres saw Britain's Laura Muir just miss out on a world record as she won in two minutes 31.93 seconds.

Muir's time was just a second off Maria Mutola's world indoor record of 2:30.94.

However, the 23-year-old Scot's time was a new British record, beating a mark set by Kelly Holmes in 2004 - the same year Holmes won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the Olympic Games in Athens.

“I am delighted. I wanted to come away with a win on home soil but to break Kelly's record, I'm so chuffed,” said Muir, now the favourite for both the 1500m and 3,00m at the European Indoor Championships in Belgrade in March.

“The crowd were huge, I couldn't hear myself breathing they were so loud...I'm in the best shape I can be so I'm hoping to win some medals in Belgrade.”

NAMPA/AFP

Wallabies lock Vickerman dies at 37

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Wallabies lock Vickerman dies at 37Wallabies lock Vickerman dies at 37 Former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has died suddenly at the age of 37, leaving the rugby world in a state of shock, the Australian Rugby Union said yesterday.

The South African-born lock, who played 63 Tests for the Wallabies up until 2011, died at his family home in Sydney late Saturday, the ARU said in a statement.

Vickerman leaves behind wife Sarah and two sons. Authorities have yet to comment on the cause of death.

“The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said.

“Dan was an uncompromising competitor who forged a wonderful international rugby career despite a number of injury setbacks along the way.

“He was an enforcer on the field and a much-loved character off the field. He cared deeply about the game and the players, helping players transition into life after rugby in his role with (the players association) RUPA following his retirement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family at this extremely difficult time.”

Vickerman's death has rocked the rugby world. “The shockwaves of his tragic passing will be felt right across our rugby community,” Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said in a statement.

RUPA CEO Ross Xenos said Vickerman was “deeply respected by his peers.”

“On behalf of all players, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dan's young family at this difficult time. We are truly shocked and united in our despair,” Xenos said.

“Dan was universally respected by his peers and the rugby community during and beyond his playing days. Since retiring, he was very generous in giving back to the game through coaching and voluntary roles supporting players' off-field development.”

“We encourage all players who are affected by today's terribly sad news to support and be there for each other and to contact RUPA if they would like to talk.”

Vickerman made his final Test appearance in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Auckland.

Born in Cape Town, Vickerman moved to Australia with his family as a 21-year-old when he linked with the Brumbies and made his Super Rugby debut in the 2001 season.

In June 2002 made his Test debut in a 31-25 Wallabies victory over France in Sydney.

Following three seasons with the Brumbies, Vickerman was signed by the Waratahs in 2004 and played five seasons with them.

After playing in his second Rugby World Cup in 2007, he withdrew from international rugby for three years to study in England and earned a degree in Land Economics from Cambridge University.

While in England he played in two Varsity matches and also had a short stint with the Northampton Saints in the 2009-10 season.

The towering back-rower returned to Australia to continue his career with the Waratahs and Wallabies, earning a place in the Wallabies 2011 Rugby World Cup squad.

He was forced to prematurely retire in 2012 due to persistent problems with stress fractures in his right leg.

Upon his retirement Vickerman worked in the real estate and development industry and was helping at Sydney University Rugby club until last year.

NAMPA / AFP

I'd prefer to stay at Arsenal – Wenger

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I'd prefer to stay at Arsenal – WengerI'd prefer to stay at Arsenal – WengerCoach says he can still manage for years to come The Arsenal coach, who has been widely criticised by fans, says he still has what it takes to lead a team. Arsene Wenger says he wants to stay in football management long term and has indicated for the first time that he would like to extend his spell as Arsenal's manager.

The Frenchman's future is up in the air, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and events on the pitch exposing him to criticism from supporters.

Wenger said last week that he intended to continue working as a manager even if his 21-year reign at the Emirates Stadium came to an end, but his preference would be to remain at Arsenal.

When asked about his future in the game, the 67-year-old told reporters: “If you have a team, maybe you can employ me.

“That's not a threat. My preference is always to manage Arsenal. I think I have shown that. But I am adult enough to analyse the situation.”

Wenger's latest low came last Wednesday when Arsenal were crushed 5-1 at Bayern Munich in the Champions League, leaving them on the brink of a seventh successive last-16 exit.

They are also 10 points below leaders Chelsea in the Premier League.

But Wenger believes he still has at least four years left in his managerial career and wants to work for longer than Manchester United's Alex Ferguson, who was 71 when he retired in 2013.

“Ferguson has some other interests in life,” he said.

“He was older than I am today. He was four years older and retired at 71. I'm 67. Maybe (I'll manage for) more, or maybe less. I don't know. Everyone is different.

“I do not want to take anything away from Ferguson. He was an unbelievable manager, but had enough. I'm not at that stage.”

Wenger said he would decide on his future next month or in April, a change from his previous suggestion that it would be at the end of the season.

Arsenal visit minnows Sutton United in the FA Cup today and Wenger fears his side's performance against Bayern was so abject it will take a long time for his squad to recover from it.

“It will never be quick,” he said. “We will keep that with us for our whole lives. But overall I still believe in life if you dwell too much on the past, you forget to prepare the future.

“You have to show that is part of a successful life. You have to deal with disappointments and focus 100 percent on what is in front of you and deal with that.”

Wenger refused to single out playmaker Mesut Ozil for any blame following the loss in his native Germany.

“When you have a heavy defeat like that, it's difficult to come out on one individual because you look at the way we conceded goals and you can as well criticise some other players,” he said.

“But overall for every single player it is always to try to get up to the next level and he is like everybody else.

“I absolutely accept the situation and analyse it well. No matter how much we cry together, we will not change the result. The only thing we can do is win the next game.

“I would say it is more about character and being united. It is important you do not get in a blame culture and be united to respond well.”

NAMPA/AFP

Wits earn showdown with Ahly

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Wits earn showdown with AhlyWits earn showdown with Ahly Bidvest Wits of South Africa left it late to beat Saint-Louisienne of Reunion 3-1 in Johannesburg on Saturday and seal a CAF Champions League showdown with mighty Al Ahly of Egypt.

Only four minutes of the preliminary round second leg remained and a penalty shootout was looming when Zimbabwean Cuthbert Malajila scored the tie-clinching third goal after a goalmouth scramble.

Wits advanced 4-3 on aggregate to meet record eight-time Champions League winners Ahly, having lost the first leg 2-1 last weekend in the Indian Ocean island.

Constantly criticised during short-lived campaigns in the secondary CAF Confederation Cup for selecting weakened teams, Wits coach Gavin Hunt once again fielded a virtual 'B' team for an African game.

He made seven changes to the side that started a domestic league victory over Orlando Pirates three days ago and some of the defensive replacements lacked pace.

It was the attacking strength of the South Africans that squeezed them through with Daine Klate and Sifiso Myeni scoring either side of halftime.

Sylvain Phileas reduced the deficit on the night to one goal and levelled the tie on aggregate when he scored 11 minutes from time.

Malajila then rescued the Johannesburg outfit from potential embarrassment and secured a mid-March showdown with Ahly over two legs.

Zanaco of Zambia did well to defeat APR of Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali after being held to a goalless first-leg draw at home.

Taonga Bwembya scored the crucial goal during the first half to clinch a last-32 clash with Young Africans of Tanzania.

The Dar es Salaam club were surprisingly held 1-1 at home by Ngaya Mde of the Comoros having won the first leg 5-1 in the Indian Ocean island state.

Other clubs to qualify for the round of 32 included Coton Sport of Cameroon, CNaPS Sport of Madagascar, AS Tanda of the Ivory Coast and Al Merrikh of Sudan.

NAMPA/AFP

Lincoln claim famous upset

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Lincoln claim famous upsetLincoln claim famous upsetCowel hails 'life-changing' Cup run Lincoln achieved a “football miracle” as they knocked out Burnley on a dramatic day of FA Cup fifth-round action. The manager of non-league Lincoln City said his club had been on a “life-changing” run in the FA Cup after they knocked Premier League Burnley out of the competition in one of the all-time great upsets.

Sean Raggett's 89th-minute header secured a famous 1-0 win for Lincoln at Turf Moor as the Imps, who play in the fifth-tier National League, became the first non-league club since 1914 to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

“It was an incredible feeling really to win the game like we did,” said Lincoln manager Danny Cowley.

“We grew in confidence I thought and to score with a set-piece, which we work really hard on, was pretty apt,” he added.

Saturday's stunning success saw Lincoln into the last eight of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

They had already knocked out Ipswich and Brighton, from English football's second-tier Championship, during their Cup run before seeing off Burnley.

For several seasons now, with Premier League and even Championship clubs fielding under-strength sides in the FA Cup, because of commitments in other competitions, there have been fears that the status of the world's oldest senior football knockout tournament was slowly being downgraded.

But Cowley believes East Midlands club Lincoln's success has highlighted the enduring appeal of the FA Cup.

“I think maybe we've brought some of the magic back,” he said. “It is a brilliant cup competition. Whoever says the FA Cup is dead hasn't lived in Lincoln for the last six to eight weeks.

“And it has galvanised our football club.”

As for his preferred opposition in the quarter-finals, Cowley added: “We want a home draw or to go to a big ground, where all of our fans could come.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche, who as a player featured in Chesterfield's surprise run to the FA Cup semi-finals in 1997, was aware of the scale of Lincoln's achievement.

“We've unfortunately played a part in Lincoln's fairy-tale and obviously we didn't want to do that,” said Dyche.

NAMPA/AFP

Arcadia keeps the youth busy

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Arcadia keeps the youth busyArcadia keeps the youth busy Youngsters in the Grysblok area of Katutura are kept busy every weekend by the Arcadia football club.

The club, established in 1986, is home to boys and girls who are passionate about football and would like to develop their skills.

Assistant coach James Nguuo says the club has different age groups and they all get time to play against each other every weekend and sometimes on weekdays too.

“We are just trying to get the young ones off the street and get them involved in sports and it is fascinating that they already know that Saturday they have to be at the field, so we find them there while some parents have also taken the responsibility of ensuring that they drop off their young ones,” he told Sport Wrap.

The games continue for about three hours every weekend.

The club meets at a small open space in the Grysblok area, which they managed to clean up late last year at a cost of N$6 000.

Nguuo said since the club's inception, interest by youngsters from the area has been growing.

He said at the moment they just play for fun but they planned to join the Khomas Youth League.

He said the club managed to keep its activities running despite having no sponsor.

“The equipment we use here was bought with our own money as we continue to look for sponsors to grow the academy.

“We just hope the City can help us get a proper field for the young ones because when it rains it becomes hard,” he said.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Social league up and running

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Social league up and runningSocial league up and runningFans pack Samora field to quench football thirst The Samora Machel Soccer League is one of the few leagues in Windhoek that fans can attend every weekend. Samora Machel Soccer League chairperson Professor Iyambo says the league continues to attract fans from all walks of life in the absence of a professional league in the country.

Speaking to Sport Wrap yesterday, Iyambo said the league started off on a good note early this month with 18 teams ready to battle it out.

Between Greenwell Matongo and Wanaheda in Katutura lies an uneven gravel football field that on a Saturday or Sunday cannot be ignored, as a group of people gather to watch football and support their teams, mostly from the informal settlements.

“Spectators keep on coming and the number is increasing despite the fact that we do not have proper seats for them. The place is packed from Saturday to Sunday, and that is because they are really thirsty to watch football now that we do not have a league running,” he said.

Iyambo said Saturday's games went well despite intermittent rain.

“Although we feared disruptions from rain all went well and we managed to host all six matches, although some had to play in rain it was not heavy showers that could stop us from going ahead,” he said.

He said so far the teams had played two to three games each and a few had played four matches. Some were yet to play yesterday.

The league still has 18 teams, “as those are the only ones that we can manage, after relegating three teams and promoting three.”

Apart from the weekend fixtures run by the league, there are also cup tournaments held in between.

Iyambo said a tournament was scheduled for 18 March in Windhoek.

They normally make use of the John ya Otto Nankudhu field but because the City of Windhoek has closed the stadium for rehabilitation, they will stick to the Samora field that they now use for league games.

The league games kick off as early as 08:00 and finish at 17:00 or 18:00.

KAINO NGHITONGO

NAFPU asks FIFPro to host tournament

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NAFPU asks FIFPro to host tournamentNAFPU asks FIFPro to host tournament The Namibia Football Players Union (NAFPU) attended a meeting in Zimbabwe with the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) to discuss the possibility of hosting a tournament in Namibia.

In an interview with Nampa last week, NAFPU secretary-general Olsen Kahiriri said the meeting this weekend at Victoria Falls with the Federation's Southern African Region office aimed to set up a competition for players without contracts.

“The tournament calls in different teams, coaches and agents to watch talented players who have no clubs.”

Kahiriri said the tournament would give players in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) opportunities to play and display their talents for them to be recognised.

The tournament is an initiative of the FIFPro Division Africa Strategic Plan that started in 2013.

The first such tournament took place in South Africa in 2016 but Namibia did not participate.

“It will be beneficial for the union's football members to showcase their talent and have that possibility of being chosen by various clubs.”

Kahiriri said the tournament would be fully funded by FIFPro.

Last year, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo took part in the tournament and statistics showed that football clubs signed nine players.

FIFPro is a worldwide organisation representing 65 000 professional footballers, with its global headquarters in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. It is made up of 58 national players' associations.



NAMPA

Nine to compete at Youth Games

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Nine to compete at Youth GamesNine to compete at Youth GamesNNOC to make sure Nam sends athletes A list of athletes to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games later this year has been submitted but the final team is yet to be drawn from that list. A team of nine athletes will represent Namibia at the Commonwealth Youth Games slated for July in the Bahamas.

Namibian National Olympic Committee (NNOC) secretary-general Joan Smit says although a final team has not yet been picked, a list of athletes has been submitted.

“We had a meeting with the sport codes because we wanted them to indicate to us the athletes, as they work with them and know them best,” she says.

The nine athletes represent only four sport codes.

Smit says the federations are working hard to prepare the athletes despite the financial constraints facing them.

“The preparation of these athletes is their responsibility and we will just work with them with fundraising to make sure that we have the funding to send the athletes,” she says.

A fundraising event is scheduled for April when the Queen's Baton arrives in Namibia.

“We will definitely make sure that we take a team because if you don't expose the athletes to the big international games then we will never be able to bag medals in the bigger games,” Smit says.

Team Namibia won only one silver medal, courtesy of Lesedi Jacobs, at the 2015 games in Samoa.

“Looking at the previous statistics, Namibia finished either in fifth or fourth place and not lower than that and that tells you the big potential that we have,” she says.

Smit says there are several events lined up, “so most of our senior athletes will be out trying to qualify to participate in the Commonwealth Games next year.”

She feels that the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be important for Namibia because they will be held in Durban, South Africa.

“It is important that we prepare these youngsters properly so that we can see if we can get real medal contenders for 2022 in Durban.”

The Youth Games aim to unite 1 000 young athletes aged 14-18 in a Caribbean carnival of competition, personal development and new Commonwealth friendships.

The sixth edition of the Games will take place from 19 to 23 July.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Nafpu to conduct survey on women's football

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Nafpu to conduct survey on women's footballNafpu to conduct survey on women's football The Namibia Football Players' Union (Nafpu) is planning to conduct a survey on women footballers in the country to compile a report for the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro).

In an interview with Nampa on Thursday, Nafpu secretary-general Olsen Kahiriri said the report would assist the union when negotiating sponsorships and the working conditions of women footballers in the country.

The survey will also look at possible success stories and challenges faced by women in Namibian football.

“The Federation of International Football Associations and Confederation of Southern African Football Associations have made women's football a priority, so we want to measure how far this progress has gone,” said Kahiriri.

The report will be submitted to FIFPro in order to engage them with the progress of women's football in Namibia and rest of the world.

Last year, the union conducted a survey on men in Namibian football and submitted the results to FIFPro, where they are being analysed.

These reports are required to be submitted to FIFPro every year between November and February for the union to receive funding.

Nafpu was suspended from FIFpro last year for not submitting financial and project reports in 2015, but was readmitted in November last year.

Kahiriri said rumours that FIFPro recently suspended Nafpu for a second time were false.

“We recently sent all the necessary reports to FIFPro and they have acknowledged receipt of them, so how can they suspend us before they even go through these reports?” asked Kahiriri.

NAMPA

I lost interest in boxing – Meroro

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I lost interest in boxing – MeroroI lost interest in boxing – MeroroBoxer talks about his career At the centre of attention now in boxing circles, Vikapita Meroro talks about the heat he felt in his last fight that led to him throwing in the towel. Professional boxer Vikapita 'Beastmaster' Meroro says he did not want to end his boxing career the way he did, but the feeling in the ring was too intense for him.

Meroro recently retired from boxing after losing to South African Kevin Lerena when he threw in the towel in the fifth round.

The Namibian boxer has been criticised by many for his performance in the ring that night.

Sport Wrap sat down with him to take us through his boxing journey.

He said after a car accident he was involved in last year, his love for boxing took a nosedive.

“I had a car accident last year so from then I was just not interested in boxing, I don't know if it was because of the injury but my heart was just not into boxing,” he said.

Meroro was also heavily criticised about his fitness, but the boxer maintained that he was well prepared and fit for the bout.

“I was mentally and physically prepared for this fight, it is just that I lost too much weight but everybody lose like that in boxing. The time from the weigh-in to the fight I felt was not enough, but I was really into the fight because that guy is not a tough boxer, he is not special and does not have a powerful punch.

“I started training last year as I was supposed to fight but it was cancelled so I was off a bit and came back when I got my last fight and that was when I decided this was hard for me and I couldn't take it anymore so just after this fight I have to retire because I am getting old and my body is getting big and I cannot go to heavyweight because there are huge guys so this is where I totally lost interest in boxing,” he said.

He added that despite being fully into the fight, he just had to give up but it was not because of Lerena's punches.

“I was in the fight but then I had to give up the fight because I was feeling heavy, and felt this blackness in my eyes so I could not allow myself to be beaten and knocked out. The rule of boxing says a boxer should have to protect himself all the time so this is why I had to give up the fight,” he explained.

Meroro has been a professional boxer since 2005. He recalls one of his fights in 2015 as his worst nightmare.

“I have been in professional boxing since 2005 and there are so many lessons that I have learned from the sport but the fight I had in 2015 in Russia with Dmitry Kudryashov was the worst punishment I got in my life because that guy got me right and beat me where it hurts, and that is a fight I will never forget.”

He said the fight against Isaac Chilemba was his toughest encounter ever.

“My fight against Chilemba was the toughest but then I was at my prime age and I had to take it because I was still strong and young but he outboxed me and was cleverer than me. I managed to finish the rounds but although I was leading on points he had so much power. And after that fight I started fearing, what if I lose again, and maybe that was why I lost this fight.

“Maybe I also took too much time to come back to boxing so maybe there was a need for a warm-up fight before Lerena, but the fight in Russia was the worst nightmare of my career and the toughest I ever had,” he said.

He said his last days of boxing had become boring, as he did not enjoy the sport he once loved.



Regrets

Meroro said he was sad about ending his career on a losing note.

“I do have regrets and that is when I first fought Chilemba and lost that important fight and now when I lost this last fight against Lerena, although I really wanted to go out with a win, so I never wanted to end my career this way but giving up a fight in such a way is my biggest regret,” he said.

Meroro maintained that a request by the undefeated Harry Simon perhaps could have helped him win the fight.

“Maybe his assistance might have brought some improvement and I think he could really push me more, like in sparring, but seeing him at the venue was great and encouraging but on the other side I was alone in the ring and you do not know what I was feeling,” he said.

He now plans to spend time with his family but would love to become a boxing trainer at a later stage.

“My plan is to go into training but that is a long-term plan and because I am coming from the village I want to discover other boxers from the villages and bring them to the city,” he said.



Encouragement

Meroro encouraged all athletes to train harder. “We should believe in hard work and when you fall you pick yourself up and don't feel ashamed, just go home and come back stronger.”

He ends his professional boxing career with a record of 34 fights and six losses.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Infantino calls African summit

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Infantino calls African summitInfantino calls African summitVorster remains unstoppable African football association leaders will meet the FIFA president this week to discuss the expansion of World Cup teams, among other things. FIFA president Gianni Infantino will meet more than 50 presidents of African football associations in an unprecedented summit in Johannesburg this week, officials said yesterday.

Each of the continent's 54 member countries has been invited to a day-long executive summit with Infantino, called to discuss general issues in the game and explain FIFA's plans to expand the World Cup and changes to its development structures.

The association presidents will be divided into two groups with some 25 meeting Infantino and other FIFA officials tomorrow and the rest repeating the exercise the next day, organisers told Reuters.

It is the first time such a summit has been held at which FIFA deals directly with all the leaders of African football.

Infantino, however, did meet about 20 association presidents in Nigeria last July in a gathering that pointedly snubbed long-standing Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou and members of his executive committee.

Usually the only time all association presidents get together is for annual FIFA and CAF congresses.

The meetings, which are being held behind closed doors, will be followed by a trip by Infantino to Harare on Thursday to join birthday celebrations for the Zimbabwe Football Association President Philip Chiyangwa, a vocal critical of Hayatou who is backing his opponent in next month's CAF president election.

Hayatou, 70, is seeking to extend his tenure in office into a third decade but faces a strong challenge from Ahmad of Madagascar, a former government minister who uses just one name. The CAF elections are to be held in Addis Ababa on March 16.

Chiyangwa has invited a wide array of African football administrators to travel from Johannesburg to Harare as he seeks to galvanise support for Ahmad.

In an exchange of letters published by local media last week, Hayatou threatened Chiyangwa with sanctions if he went ahead with the meeting, saying he had no right to call such a gathering.

But Chiyangwa, a wealthy businessman who has used his own money to fund the bankrupt Zimbabwe Football Association, responded by saying it was a celebration of his birthday and his election as president of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations, a regional body made up of 14 countries.

Infantino's presence in Harare is seen as a tacit sign of support for the anti-Hayatou camp.

Hayatou and CAF last year formally endorsed the candidacy of Bahrain's Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, who Infantino beat in the FIFA presidential elections.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Infantino calls African summit

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Infantino calls African summitInfantino calls African summitFootball issues to be discussed African football association leaders will meet the FIFA president this week to discuss the expansion of World Cup teams, among other things. FIFA president Gianni Infantino will meet more than 50 presidents of African football associations in an unprecedented summit in Johannesburg this week, officials said yesterday.

Each of the continent's 54 member countries has been invited to a day-long executive summit with Infantino, called to discuss general issues in the game and explain FIFA's plans to expand the World Cup and changes to its development structures.

The association presidents will be divided into two groups with some 25 meeting Infantino and other FIFA officials tomorrow and the rest repeating the exercise the next day, organisers told Reuters.

It is the first time such a summit has been held at which FIFA deals directly with all the leaders of African football.

Infantino, however, did meet about 20 association presidents in Nigeria last July in a gathering that pointedly snubbed long-standing Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou and members of his executive committee.

Usually the only time all association presidents get together is for annual FIFA and CAF congresses.

The meetings, which are being held behind closed doors, will be followed by a trip by Infantino to Harare on Thursday to join birthday celebrations for the Zimbabwe Football Association President Philip Chiyangwa, a vocal critical of Hayatou who is backing his opponent in next month's CAF president election.

Hayatou, 70, is seeking to extend his tenure in office into a third decade but faces a strong challenge from Ahmad of Madagascar, a former government minister who uses just one name. The CAF elections are to be held in Addis Ababa on March 16.

Chiyangwa has invited a wide array of African football administrators to travel from Johannesburg to Harare as he seeks to galvanise support for Ahmad.

In an exchange of letters published by local media last week, Hayatou threatened Chiyangwa with sanctions if he went ahead with the meeting, saying he had no right to call such a gathering.

But Chiyangwa, a wealthy businessman who has used his own money to fund the bankrupt Zimbabwe Football Association, responded by saying it was a celebration of his birthday and his election as president of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations, a regional body made up of 14 countries.

Infantino's presence in Harare is seen as a tacit sign of support for the anti-Hayatou camp.

Hayatou and CAF last year formally endorsed the candidacy of Bahrain's Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, who Infantino beat in the FIFA presidential elections.

NAMPA/REUTERS

So much waiting for new CA!

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So much waiting for new CA!So much waiting for new CA! KAINO NGHITONGO



It was about time that we appointed a chief administrator (CA) for the Sports Commission.

As the sports mother body in the country and having operated for years without a permanent CA, the to-do list for the incoming person is endless.

From the very onset, every sports person would like to see the CA take on the categorisation of sports as the main task and clear the way for sport codes' funding.

The greatest bonus of the new CA is obviously the fact that he is a sport administrator and categorisation of sport is one of the burning issues that has taken time to see the light.

Having that document in place will not be the end of what has to be done, as the implementation process still lies ahead.

The implementation process of such a document will not be an easy task for his office, considering the financial constraints experienced in sport.

So the whole process will require innovative minds that will also be able to attract sponsors and make sport a lucrative industry.

Obviously the Sport Act will also be one of the tasks on his shoulders. He will have to make sure such a document does not end up on a shelf collecting dust but rather ensure that sport codes comply with the rules.

Hopefully the issue of race in sport codes will also receive attention under such leadership, so is participation of sport codes.

We might not have realised what it would mean when we expose our athletes at different events but the truth is the athletes gain so much confidence from seeing the performance of others as well as seeing them receive their rewards.

The least that we could do now in this tough funding situation is to make sure that the little money available is used to send athletes to different events.

Moreover the new CA will also have to work around the clock to ensure that he strengthens such an office with manpower and gets all systems up and running.

The vacant positions in the office will have to be filled, although all that will depend on the funds available.

Despite all the excitement around the CA, one would still question the capacity of having that office up and running.

The ministry would really have to fork out money to have that office effectively run but from the look of things it might be a pipe dream, as budget cuts have affected all areas in the country.

The effectiveness of that office will then depend on what the directorate invests in; otherwise having a CA might not help the country much.

One is however hopeful that the coming budget term will bring back some glory days of sports and help sport codes go to the villages and identify hidden talent.

It will also be for the CA to make sure that sport codes strengthen their development plans and their talent identification.

Sport codes will also have to be taken to task on financial reports, especially those sport codes that receive the bigger chunk of the commission's budget.

Overall the sport fraternity is looking at the commission to see what the new CA will do as soon as he takes office.



kaino@namibiansun.com

Sundowns win African Super Cup

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Sundowns win African Super CupSundowns win African Super CupMosimane claims bragging rights Mamelodi Sundowns picked up yet another piece of silverware and coach Pisto Mosimane maintains his team is “Africa's giant”. A late penalty by centre back Ricardo Nascimento clinched a first ever African Super Cup for South African club Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday as they beat TP Mazembe Englebert, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld.

The 83rd-minute spot-kick was all the home side had to show for a dominant performance in which only Mazembe goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo stood between Sundowns and a runaway score.

The Ivory Coast international goalkeeper pulled off a host of brilliant stops to keep his side in the game until full back Issam Mpeko was penalised for a wild lunge on Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana and Brazil-born Nascimento stepped up to convert.

Sundowns winger Anthony Laffor had three close-range efforts saved by Gbohouo while a series of other chances also went begging.

It was Sundowns' first triumph in the African Super Cup, an annual one-off game between the winners of the continent's two major club competitions, the Champions League and the African Confederation Cup - having won the Champions League for the first time in October.

Coach Pitso Mosimane was happy to bask in the glory of his side's CAF Super Cup win over TP Mazembe.

Mosimane, already a CAF Champions League winner and CAF Coach of the Year for 2016, completed his trophy haul with the last remaining African title he wanted.

“It's unbelievable, what an emotional night. It was coming, it had to come,” he said on SuperSport TV after the victory at Loftus Stadium.

“We were a little bit nervous in front of goals but I know it's coming here in Loftus and in Atteridgeville, the goal will come. They had to crack, guys. We dominated.

“There is no dispute on this game, we dominated Mazembe, we closed down Rainford Kalaba, we closed down Solomon Asante, we made sure that Nathan Sinkala doesn't bring the ball back easy, we stole a little bit of ball from [Daniel Nii] Adjei, we were unbelievable, what a night.”

Mosimane was also convinced the penalty awarded by Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha was the right call after Hlompho Kekana's legs were taken out from under him.

“It was a penalty, and also Anton [Laffor] could have scored the other time, Anton gave me a heart attack but I'm back. Look, I don't want to say more, Mazembe were defeated fairly, we dominated and what I'm happy about is that this is one medal I needed to complete in Africa, if I have this then I'm happy, then I can start the [new] cycle.

“Thanks to the boys, the management, the Masandawana family, my technical team who have really, really supported, I would not have done it without them, thanks to everybody. It's unbelievable.

“We had to settle the score, it's bragging rights also, we're number one in Africa, number one, indisputably.”



- additional reporting by KICKOFF



NAMPA/REUTERS
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